Fiscal Cliff Deal Extends/Improves 12 Alt-Energy Credits

While most Americans were enjoying the holiday break, Congress was called in for a special session to try and work out a deal to avoid the so-called “fiscal cliff.” A compromise was reached, a deal was passed, and while nobody is particularly happy with the “American Taxpayer Relief Act”, a number of green energy credits were extended for at least another year.

The Senate version of the bill, which was passed by the House and signed by President Obama late last night, includes 12 green energy credits or extensions for the year 2013. In no particular order, these credits are;

Credit for energy-efficient existing homes is extended to 31 December 2013.

Credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property is extended to 31 December 2013.

Credit for 2- or 3-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles. In the case of a qualified 2- or 3-wheeled plug-in electric vehicle, up to 10% of the cost of the qualified 2- or 3-wheeled plug-in electric vehicle, or $2,500 may be allowed as a credit.

Qualifying 2- or 3-wheel vehicles need a 2.5 kWh pack (down from 4 kWh), are capable of achieving a speed of 45 mph (72 km/h)or greater, and must be acquired after 31 December 2011 and before 1 January 2014.

Extension and modification of cellulosic biofuel producer credit. The extension now carries through to qualified production beginning before 1 January 2014. Algae is treated as a qualified feedstock.

Additionally, the section strikes the term cellulosic biofuel in favor of “second generation biofuel”.

Incentives for biodiesel and renewable diesel are extended to 31 December 2013.

Extension of production credit for Indian coal facilities placed in service before 2009 for an 8-year period rather than a 7-year period. The amendment applies to coal produced after 31 December 2012.

Extension and modification of credits with respect to facilities producing energy from certain renewable resources. Among other provisions for municipal solid waste, hydro, and biomass facilities, production tax credits for wind facilities are extended to 1 January 2014.

Credits for energy-efficient new homes are extended to 31 December 2013.

Credits for energy-efficient appliances are extended into 2013.

The special allowance for cellulosic biofuel plant property is extended to 1 January 2014. In addition, algae is treated as a qualified feedstock for such.

The special rule for sales or dispositions to implement FERC or state electric restructuring policy for qualified electric utilities is extended to 1 January 2014.

These tax credits go along with Obama’s “All of the Above” energy strategy, but do we really need an extension of the status quo? Or would Americans be better served by more forward-thinking initiatives with more support but a more narrow focus on a select few technologies?

About the Author

Christopher DeMorro A writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs, Chris can be found wrenching or writing- or else, he's running, because he's one of those crazy people who gets enjoyment from running insane distances.

Wow! They extended the tax credit for wind power production. I really thought that it was going to get cut off. It is amazing how much wind power has been brought on-line in the past 10 years. I am not sure if it is feasible without the tax credit, but with another year of credit we will see. Maybe next year is time for the credit to end and to see if it is going to sink or swim on its own.
I have a feeling the madcap construction would end, the marginal players would go away, and the most efficient wind power producers would continue to grow, albeit slowly and in the most optimally located sites.

_production tax credits for wind facilities are extended to 1 January 2014._

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